What is a foodborne illness?

What is a foodborne illness?

• A. Illness spread by respiratory droplets.
• B. A genetic disorder.
• C. Sickness caused by lack of exercise.
• D. Sickness caused by eating contaminated food.

Answer: (C)

A foodborne illness is sickness caused by eating contaminated food. It happens when food carries harmful microorganisms—like bacteria, viruses, or parasites—or toxins they produce, often due to improper cooking, storage, or handling. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The other descriptions don’t fit: illnesses spread by respiratory droplets are transmitted through the air, not by eating food; a genetic disorder is inherited and not caused by food; and sickness from lack of exercise isn’t due to consuming contaminated food.

A foodborne illness is sickness caused by eating contaminated food. It happens when food carries harmful microorganisms—like bacteria, viruses, or parasites—or toxins they produce, often due to improper cooking, storage, or handling. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The other descriptions don’t fit: illnesses spread by respiratory droplets are transmitted through the air, not by eating food; a genetic disorder is inherited and not caused by food; and sickness from lack of exercise isn’t due to consuming contaminated food.